Spaniard Carlos Sastre wins his first Tour de France
Sunday, 27 Jul 2008 20:41
Carlos Sastre wins his first Tour de France
Carlos Sastre lifted his first Tour de France crown at his eight attempt and becomes the third Spaniard in as many years to claim the title.
The CSC rider's victory was effectively a formality after he held-off his rivals in Saturday's time-trial.
As the race entered Paris the 33-year-old retained his 65-second lead and cruised to victory, finishing among the peloton in the final stage.
Australia's Cadel Evans was runner-up for the second year in succession, while Austria's Bernhard Kohl was third.
The stage which gave Sastre the advantage took place last Wednesday when he produced a stunning performance on the Alpe d'Huez to set himself up for victory.
Belgium's Gert Steegmans won the final 143km stage from Etampes to Champs-Elysees in Paris.
Kohl finished with the polka dot jersey as 'King of the Mountains', while Oscar Freire - who finished in the top 10 of eight stages - took the green jersey for the top rider in the points classification.
Sastre's team-mate Andy Schleck took the best young rider title.